Alternatives to Arrest for Young People

A young person’s involvement in the juvenile justice system often begins with an encounter with law enforcement and his or her arrest as a result of that encounter. Many youth who are arrested for lowlevel offenses such as skipping school, running away from home or alcohol use are inappropriately referred to the juvenile justice system. A compelling body of evidence now shows that many young people, particularly those charged with low-level offenses, achieve better life outcomes and are less likely to commit future crimes when kept out of juvenile court and detention facilities.